OPTOMETRISTS ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA
QUEENSLAND & NORTHERN TERRITORY DIVISION
(INCORPORTATED) ABN 54 009 657 265
58 ST PAULS TERRACE, SPRING HILL QUEENSLAND 4000
TELEPHONE: (07) 3839 4411
FACSIMILE (07) 3839 4499
WEBSITE: www.optomsqld.com
Email: see@optomsqld.com
Past issues
Council 2007/2008
Nominations have now closed and we advise that an election is not required this year. The only change on Council is that Townsville practitioner Gary Page has replaced retiring councillor Peter Montgomery. Council is Shannon Pugh (President), Henry Heron (Vice-President), Nancy Atkinson (Treasurer), Simon Hurwood (National Councillor) and councillors Dave Foresto, Kate Johnson, Asha Mahasuria and Gary Page.
Thanks to our work with the Ipswich and West Moreton Division of General Practice in terms of directing public diabetes patients to optometrists, an exciting new chapter has emerged. On Thursday, 25 October up to 80 members of both organisations (diabetes educators and practice nurses) will join us for a seminar/dinner to hear from a panel of experts about the training optometrists receive in relation to diabetes, the role of optometrists and the technology they employ.
The program is:
· Registration and Trade Show
· Opening and overview
Ms Shannon Pugh, BAppSc(Optom), GradCert(Ocular Therapeutics
· Diabetes as part of optometry undergraduate degrees and post- graduate optometric education Professor Leo Carney, BAppSc, MSc(Optom), PhD, DSc
· My role in evaluating and monitoring patients with diabetes, Mr Simon Hurwood, BAppSc(Optom), GradCert(Ocular Therapeutics), MBA
· What technology do optometrists employ in diagnosing patients with diabetes and in diabetic retinopathy? Mr James Christensen, BSc
· Panel session and questions, chaired by Ms Shannon Pugh
From this event we hope that many more diabetes patients will be referred to private optometrists thus reducing long waiting lists at public hospitals.
The management and administration of the Spectacle Supply Scheme (SSS) is to be transferred from Queensland Health’s Health Service Districts to the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS). Transition planning is underway with MASS to assume responsibility for the transfer effective 1 January 2008.
During this transition period, there will be extensive consultation with all key stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition process. During the transition process, a series of fact sheets will be produced to keep stakeholders informed of progress. As new procedures are developed, these will be included.
Matt Page has been appointed as the Senior Project Officer to coordinate the transition. Enquiries can be forwarded via email to Matthew_Page@health.qld.gov.au or by telephone on (07) 3250 8601 or 0438 543 721.
Optometrists Rowan Churchill and Geraldine O’Neal, as well as Executive Director Greg Johnson, are members of the steering committee.
OPTOM BUSINESS SALES
PRACTICES FOR SALE NSW
Sydney Eastern Suburbs- A well established fashion orientated practice located in a busy shopping strip. Very loyal customer base. Profitable practice. Asking Price $700K.
NSW Central Coast- This practice has fantastic exposure to a main road with excellent parking. It is well positioned in a busy shopping strip with many other retail outlets. Open 5.5 days a week, Optometrist currently working 3 days. Asking Price $340K negotiable.
NSW Far North Coast- Do you like the tropical climate? This could be the opportunity you have been looking for. Profitable business located close to everything. Trades 5 days a week, well equipped practice.
Asking Price $500K
Sydney Inner West- Why open a practice and wait for the customers to walk in. This business is located on a busy shopping strip with fantastic exposure. Asking Price $300K negotiable.
NSW Mid North Coast- Feel like a sea change? Are you sick and tired of the rat race? Are you in the market for a profitable secure business? An opportunity has opened up on the beautiful North Coast. Practices like this do not often enter the market. Net profit after proprietor’s salary is $230K. Asking Price (upon application).
Sutherland Shire- Have you been thinking of opening a practice, well this is an opportunity for you. Currently trading 18.5 hours per week, 1700 active customer cards and needs new direction. Asking Price $80K negotiable.
If you are interested in any of the Practices above, or wish to be placed onto the Optom Business Sales mailing list please do not hesitate in contacting us directly.
Sean Roffey Tel: 02 9221 5101 Fax: 02 9221 0277 Mob: 0408 882 111 pbs@veritel.com.au
Spectacle Supply Scheme
Fact Sheet for Optometrists
· The Spectacle Supply Scheme (SSS) provides eligible people with “basic spectacles”.
· The scheme is administered by district health services and the client is required to have their application processed at the local health service (usually the hospital) in addition to visiting an optometrist.
· There is little consistency between districts in the administration and management of the process.
· Queensland Health has approved the transfer of the SSS to the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS). The decision to transfer SSS to MASS was made to address a number of identified issues associated with the current model of management and administration of the SSS.
· The transfer is scheduled to “go live” on 1st January 2008. In the meantime the scheme will continue to be administered by district health services
The following changes will occur when MASS commences management and administration of the SSS:
· Management and administration of the SSS will be centralised at MASS. MASS is based at 184 St Paul’s Terrace, Fortitude Valley in Brisbane.
.optometrists with · A dedicated team will be established at MASS to process and approve applications forwarded by participating optometrists and to order products through the contracted supplier.
· Optometrists will be required to check non-clinical eligibility by sighting and photocopying the relevant concession card.
Benefits:
· An increase in the dispensing fees from $20 to $30 per prescription has been approved for optometrists. This increase is effective from week commencing 20 August 2007.
· Simplification of the application process for clients as they do not need to present at the local health service to lodge SSS forms.
· Increased consistency in the interpretation and administration of SSS guidelines and procedures.
· Increased efficiency as the team will be dedicated to SSS applications, rather than the SSS comprising only one part of an administrative position in the district; policy development and changes will be implemented in one area.
· Improved relationships with optometrists with an emphasis on increasing optometrist participation in the scheme, as there will be more consistency regarding determinations of clinical need and administration processes.
· Exploration of an increased range of frames and lenses.
Contact:
Matt Page
Senior Project Officer,
MASS – Spectacle Supply Scheme Project
07 3250 8601 / 0438 543 721
Hearty congratulations to very popular Gold Coast couple Meredith and Paul Graham on the 20 September birth of a beautiful baby daughter, Alexis Sian. Mum and bub doing fine, dad ecstatic.
Benjamin Andrew Teasdale Born: 17 August 2007
Weight: 6 lb 12 oz
Little Brother for Joshua
Destined to play inside centre for Wallabies 2027 ..... An absolute delight of a baby- sleeping and eating to perfection!
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Queensland Minister for Health, Ms Karen Struthers MP, opened the Queensland Vision Initiative Inc annual general meeting on 13 September.
Queensland Vision Initiative Inc is a collaboration between Optometrists Association Australia and over 20 vision related organisations including, Australian Ophthalmic Nurses’ Association, Guide Dogs Queensland, RANZCO, RACGP, Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Vision Australia.
Ms Struthers commended the work of QVI Inc to date, and noted how the State Government is looking forward to working with QVI Inc both now and in the future.
In introducing Ms Struthers, Chair Greg Johnson said, “It is no surprise that Karen is here today. Her long academic record includes a Bachelor of Social Work from UQ and in her maiden parliamentary speech in August 1998 she cited “knowledge of economic and social trends and issues, and the ability to develop and implement positive change” as being a criterion for her new role in public life. Perhaps she subsequently saw the QVI as an entity with the ability to develop and implement positive change. At least that is the way we see our role.
“What we are doing with Government is central to Government policy anyway – developing partnerships with NGO’s. While the beginnings may have been informal we hope that in time a more formal, and even permanent partnership, develops.
“Much is to be done and the QVI has much to offer. Queensland is the eye disease capital of Australia and citizens don’t know about it until it’s too late. Today few children wear suitable hats outside; hardly any wear sunglasses and forty-year olds think it would be a great idea to have their eyes tested because they turned 40. What about the previous 40 years we say!
“The future of QVI is the development and maintenance of a campaign to tell Queenslanders about eye disease and conditions and to mobilise our members into an integrated, knowledge-powerful, referral network. We hope that the Government, through Karen, will be there alongside us in that quest.”
Since its launch as an incorporated body late last year, QVI Inc successfully obtained funding of $100,000 from Queensland Health to undertake a project concerning the eye care of Indigenous Queenslanders. QVI Inc has also been the successful recipient of a National Eye Health Initiative grant for $33,000 which will allow QVI Inc to develop an eye health and vision information resource for health care practitioners.
Rowan Churchill, who specialises in providing services to indigenous citizens, has been awarded the 2007 Peter J Montgomery Award for Social Justice. Rowan will receive his award at the 3 November President’s Graduands Ball and Annual Awards. Many thanks to all those who applied.
“The Ophthalmology Outpatient Department conducts screening for Diabetes complications of the eyes. It currently has very long waiting lists for this type of review and it is likely to take 12 months or longer to be seen at Ipswich Hospital.
“Fortunately, there are a number of optometrists in the Ipswich area who have the training and equipment to do this type of check. These checks are usually bulk billed and can be done much sooner.
“If any abnormality is found, the optometrist can refer the patient back to Ipswich Hospital Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic for specialist review.
“Clients are most welcome to stay on the outpatient waiting list, but the hospital encourages them to consider this very suitable alternative. A list of optometrists follows.
“If you have any questions or wish to discuss the decision with our Outpatient Department staff, please ring Ipswich hospital on 3810 1111 and ask for the Nurse Unit Manager of the Outpatient Department (Pager 298).”
Signed.
The Ipswich Outpatient Department
Brassall Eyecare Laubman & Pank
Shop 13a, 90 Pine Mountain Rd, Shop 26, Riverlink Centre ShoppingBrassall 3201 6611 Ipswich 3281 1505
Budget Eyewear New Look Eyewear
Brassall Shopping Centre Shop 243 Ipswich City Mall
Brassall 3201 4477 Ipswich 3281 0822
Paul Fell Optometry Ingram Optometrists Eyecareplus
Forest Lake Village 3278 8300 Karalee Shopping Village
Karalee 3812 2250
Global Eyes Value Plus Eyewear
Cnr East & Limestone St 3rd Level Redbank Plaza
Ipswich 3281 1773 Redbank Plains 3818 7700
Eyemode Eyewear Springfield Lakes
135 Brisbane St 7A/31 Springfield lakes Blvd
Ipswich 3812 1315 Springfield lakes 3818 8577
Ross Kent
15 Ellenborough St
Ipswich 3281 1166
British Health Minister Dawn Primarolo recently announced that optometrists will be able to train to prescribe medicines. “Patients will soon be examined, diagnosed, and get a prescription during one trip to the opticians. Optometrists, also known as ophthalmic opticians, are health specialists trained in all aspects of eye health. As well as testing sight and prescribing glasses or contact lenses, they are also trained to recognise potentially blinding eye conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma and refer them on for medical care. Optometrists can also spot signs of conditions such as diabetes. Independent prescribing will mean that specially trained optometrists will be able to write a prescription if they diagnose a problem needing treatment, saving the patient from having to make a separate appointment with their GP”, Dawn Primarolo said.
A simple eye test is crucial to keep eyes healthy and in the most serious cases, can save your sight.
Optometrists are trained eye health professionals. Enabling independent prescribing will not only allow them to make better use of their skills, but will also mean greater convenience for patients. Rosie Varley, Chairman of the General Optical Council, said “Independent prescribing is a significant development for optometrists, which builds on their existing clinical skills and experience. The move reflects high levels of public confidence in optometrists and optical regulation. For patients, it should mean that they get quality care faster, and more conveniently, than ever before.”
The General Optical Council will play a key role in ensuring that optometrists who want to become independent prescribers receive robust training and can practise safely within their competence, so that patients and the public can be confident about their care.
Kevin Lewis, President of the College of Optometrists, said “The College of Optometrists welcomes today’s announcement of independent prescribing powers for optometrists. Allowing optometrists to prescribe independently will complement their existing diagnostic skills and further develop their role in the management of eye disease. These specialist optometrists will provide a valuable resource in both primary and secondary care environments. The College is working with City University in developing Clinical Management Guidelines that will be available shortly to support optometrists undertaking independent prescribing.”
Brenda Billington, President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said “This new development will enable the creation of more opportunities for optometrists to work with ophthalmologists in shared care schemes. We are pleased that the Minister recognises this potential and that suitable accreditation processes will be in place to ensure patient safety. Optometrists will have to undertake further training before they can prescribe and, just like other prescribers, they will only work with the conditions within their areas of expertise.”
Optometrists’ prescribing practice will be informed by guidelines from the College of Optometrists. Qualified practitioners will need to apply for specialty registration with the General Optical Council. Once trained, optometrists will only prescribe for conditions of the eye and its surrounding tissue and they will refer patients to an ophthalmologist where more specialised care is required.
Warwick (Queensland) member Paul Morrissey’s “My Optical” is a State Finalist in the Professional Services category at this year’s “Small Business Champion Awards.” The Awards were announced at a gala night on 22 September at Brisbane’s prestigious Sofitel Hotel.
Brisbane Eye Clinic needs Optometrists
Two optometrists have recently left the Emergency Eye Care (EEC) roster and so the Clinic has decided to try to introduce another optometrist or two to the rotation.
The Clinic would love to hear from any optometrist who is available to do one Saturday per month or anyone currently working towards their therapeutic endorsement who could do with the extra hours?
The EEC runs from 12noon until 5pm Saturdays and the optometrist sees post op patients, emergencies and glaucoma reviews for CP & 3D OCT.
Contact:
Lauren Cunningham
Business Manager
Brisbane Eye Clinic
Level 1 BMM Place
135 Wickham Tce
Brisbane Q 4000
P: 07 3832 1700
F: 07 3831 3129
ONA (OptoNews Africa) Update
Ona Network (http://onanetwork.org/) is taking major steps to improve feedback to its members, supporters, volunteers and everyone interested in Ona activities.
The cataract camp last July was a big success, relieving 92 poor people in
Dodoma Tanzania from blindness due to cataract. Thanks to our major
sponsors Alcon Australia. A summary report of this camp will be available on our
website soon.
There are several events in the near future taking place in Australia. Our Executive Director, Frank and our recruitment Officer Meg will be speaking at the Bayside Baptist Church in Brisbane on the evening of 27 August, Frank will also be speaking in Sydney on 25 and 26 September, the Rotary Club of Acacia Ridge in Brisbane on the 27 September, and later in Melbourne in early November. Queensland branch AGM is scheduled for 1 September.
We are delighted to inform you that our newest volunteer, Dr Jae, will be in Tanzania this October for a two-week placement. Jae will work with our team in Dodoma providing much needed eye care in rural areas.
Our eye camps in 2008 are scheduled for July, September and November.
Applications are now open for those wishing to give their skills and time to join our efforts in eliminating preventable blindness in Africa. For more information, please visit http://onanetwork.org/VolunteerOpportunities.htm
20 September 2007 – The Contact Lens Society of Australia officially endorsed Optometry Giving Sight at the 12th Annual International Contact Lens Congress (ICLC) on the Gold Coast on the 3rd September.
Sue Sluce, President of the Society said: “We are delighted to endorse Optometry Giving Sight as our International Charity of Choice. The Contact Lens Society of Australia realises that the only way to eliminate avoidable blindness due to uncorrected refractive error is for optometry to pull together and have one main focus – and that focus is Optometry Giving Sight. We are proud that up to 37% of our conference delegates already support Optometry Giving Sight but encourage all of our members to sign up and help change lives“.
CIBA Vision, Global Founding Corporate Patron of Optometry Giving Sight, chose to forgo a trade display at the ICLC and instead match all new donations of $300 or more. Optometry Giving Sight staff were joined by CIBA Vision representatives to secure 20 new donors and six additional donations, which included a number of speakers fees!
Following Sue Sluce’s announcement to the delegates Brian Spiller, CIBA Vision/Optometry Giving Sight Corporate Fellow, responded by saying: “I thank the board and the audience for their support at the conference and the council for their leadership for endorsing Optometry Giving Sight as their preferred charity. It’s important that optometrists who believe in the vision put forward by Optometry Giving Sight encourage other optometrists to also get involved. This is important if we are to increase the donations around the world from a growing flame into a raging fire.”
For more information about Optometry Giving Sight and the World Sight Day Challenge visit www.givingsight.org or call 1300 88 10 73.
Have you considered what would happen to your optometry practice if you, or another key person, became sick, are injured or passed away? For your practice to continue to operate, it’s essential to protect your key people with the right insurance cover.
Most optometry practice owners insure assets such as buildings, equipment and vehicles, and may forget that it is the people who use their initiative, drive, skill, specialist knowledge and ingenuity to make profits for the business. Therefore, it is vital for all practice owners to consider the use of insurance to compensate for any financial loss suffered because an insured event has occurred to a key person.
Who is a ‘key person’?
A ‘key person’ is someone whose continued involvement with an optometry practice provides that practice with a significant and direct economic gain. Besides profits, economic gain can include cost savings, capital injections and goodwill. A common example of a key person is an employee who has specialist skills or expertise on which a practice relies.
Besides a practice owner, other key people include:
• Partner – who does the work of two employees, but only draws a moderate salary, so that more money can go back into the business;
• Practice manager – whose expertise, ingenuity and ability enables the practice to run smoothly, operate within budget and maintain high levels of patient satisfaction in the quality of the treatment and services delivered to your patients.
Protect your key people
All practice owners and partners may benefit from talking to a life risk adviser who can provide information about the various wealth protection options available to safeguard your financial future.
A Guild Life Risk Adviser looks after practice owners and partners by establishing a foundation of insurance. The actual cost for this type of cover usually equates to less than one percent of the annual business revenue. Yet having this cover may relieve the stress of replacing a key person or meeting loan commitments should the unforeseen happen.
Preserve your financial health
The most effective business strategy may be at risk if you or your business partner become ill, have an accident or pass away. Now is a good time to assess if you have adequate financial protection in place. After all, protecting your financial health and that of your family is an essential element of sound financial planning.
More to come …
Stay tuned for the next article on key person insurance – we’ll help you to understand the taxation treatments for certain insurances. In the meantime, if you would like more information about key person risk, please call Heather Dhuna, Life Risk Adviser on (07) 3230 8509 or 0408 315 829.
Guild Financial Services Limited AFSL No. 225590. The information and/or advice in this article has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any of this information you should consider its appropriateness with respect to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Guild Financial Services supports your association through the payment of referral fees for certain products or services you take out with them.
The low vision practitioner’s list has very slowly increased to a total of 11 practices. If your practice is not included in the list below and you would like to have patients referred to you by the Queensland Blind Association and Vision Australia please forward through your practice name; optometrist name; physical address and telephone number to Marika on telephone 07 3839 4411 or email marika@optomsqld.com.
The list currently includes:
· About Specs, Springfield Lakes
· Colour Blind Sight Centre, Alexandra Hills
· Helen Summers Optometrists, Fannie Bay
· North Lakes Optometry, North Lakes
· Park Ridge Eyewear, Park Ridge
· QUT Vision Rehabilitation Centre, Kelvin Grove
· Roberts Alexander Optometrists, Caboolture
· Russell Cooper Optometrist, Rockhampton
· Stewart & Leach Optometrists, Browns Plains
· Stuart Macfarlane Optometrist, Logan Central
· Trevenen Optical, Manunda
CPD Amendment Form
In November 2007 members will receive their annual CPD Amendment Form from the OAA National Division. As you are aware, members of the OAA are required to maintain an average of at least 40 CPD points per year.
This annual amendment form will include a covering letter that outlines the total points you have earned in 2006 and also 2007. To see your list of attended courses for the two years the covering letter will also include your username and password to log onto the OAA National website www.optometrists.asn.au. If it seems that an accredited course you have attended is not on the list it is recommended you first contact the course provider and have them update their participation records provided to the Association.
The amendment form itself is for any course that has not been accredited, such as overseas conferences, additional university study such as therapeutics and journal subscriptions among others.
It is vital that you ensure you have all points accounted for either in your CPD total or on the completed amendment form as any changes received after 31 December 2007 will not be processed and therefore you may not meet your CPD requirement. If you have not received this form in the mail by mid November please contact Marika on telephone 07 3839 4411 or email marika@optomsqld.com.
Find the current program insert in this issue of SEE and expect your brochure late this month!
MEMBER BENEFITS
FREE LEGAL ADVICE
Contact Richard Jones at Gregg Lawyers and receive up to twenty minutes advice in relation to any legal matter. Telephone 07 3831 9844 during business hours or email info@gregglawyers.com.au and mention your OAA Qld/NT membership.
GUILD FINANCIAL SERVICES
Has been chosen as the preferred provider for your personal insurance needs. Guild Financial Services provides insurance to many healthcare professionals and is pleased to be part of your Advantage program. The types of insurance policies on and arranged by Guild Financial Services are: (that can be advised) - Income Protection; Trauma Protection; Business Expenses Insurance; & Life and Total Permanent Disability Insurance. If you require further information about any of the insurance products above please call your state representative below on their direct line or free call 1800 333 143 to be transferred to your nearest representative. QLD: Heather Dhuna Phone: (07) 3230 8509 Mobile: 0408 315 829
USED/UNWANTED SPECTACLES/FRAMES:
OAA Qld/NT collects used spectacles for the ONA Network in Tanzania! Telephone Marika on (07) 3839 4411 for collection
PUZZLED BY WORKPLACE RELATIONS?
For Free Workplace Relations Advice simply call the SIAG National Advisory Service on 1 800 656 844 between 8:30am-5:30pm (AEST) Mon-Fri
COMMUNITY SPECTACLE SCHEME
Looking for budget spectacles and lenses as an alternative to the Government’s Spectacle Supply Scheme? Call Essilor Queensland State Manager David Pearson on telephone 0407 108 867 or email pearson@essilor.com.au
FREE ACCOUNTING ADVICE
For your first free interview on any accounting matter contact Scott McLucas at one2one Accounting on telephone 07 3839 7444 or email smclucas@one2one-info.com